Captains
12 December 2016 1478 comments
J0E J0E
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Harry Kane (11.2) may have mustered just a single shot away to Manchester United on Sunday but he’s still set to challenge at the top of our latest Captain Poll.

Chances should certainly be far more plentiful for the Spurs striker when Hull City drop by White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Mike Phelan’s Tigers have conceded 17 goals on the road this campaign, while Kane has scored a brace in his last two home outings.

Teammates Christian Eriksen (8.3) and Dele Alli (8.1) also failed to impress at Old Trafford, but against such a travel-sick side, are surely worthy of armband consideration.

Eriksen, in particular, appeared in fine fettle prior to Sunday’s Old Trafford disappointment, having scored three goals and assisted another in in the two matches prior to the Red Devils defeat.

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez (11.7) was another disappointment over the weekend, fetching just an assist and 5 points from Arsenal’s 3-1 victory at home to Stoke City.

However, away from home, the 34.8% owned Chilean is a different beast: he’s scored more goals and accrued more shots on target and created more chances for teammates than any other FPL midfielder.

The Chilean looks destined to rival Kane at the summit, particularly with the Gunners facing an Everton defence that has failed to keep a clean sheet over their last five outings, with just a single shutout in their last eleven Gameweeks.

With the hosts in such poor form Mesut Ozil (9.6) and Theo Walcott (7.9) may also gather interest. Both impressed in the Stoke City victory with a goal apiece. Indeed, Walcott registered more shots than any other player over Gameweek 15 although, with Arsene Wenger hinting at rotation, he may yet find himself kept in reserve at Goodison Park.

Given that they host Watford,  Manchester City may also provide a host of strong contenders this Gameweek, despite their 4-2 humbling away to Leicester City on Saturday evening.

However, interest in Kevin De Bruyne (10.8) is set to be muted with the Belgian now without a goal since Gameweek 5. He’s also failed to return an assist in his last three outings following Saturday’s defeat.

Pep Guardiola’s option of fielding Nolito as a false 9 may also force us to overlook the 8% owned Kelechi Iheanacho (6.8), who was hooked after just 57 minutes at the King Power Stadium.

His replacement on Saturday, Yaya Toure (£7.5m), could now present a short-term differential. The Ivorian would seem poised to start and get a run at a Watford defence that is without a clean sheet in their last five Gameweeks, conceding 13 goals.

Question marks remain over the reliability of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (10.5) away from Stamford Bridge, which may just temper interest in the 38.4% owned Chelsea midfielder ahead of his trip to Sunderland. On the road, he has scored just twice, compared to six goals at home.

In marked contrast, Diego Costa (10.9) has emerged as one of this season’s most reliable performers both home and away.

It would be no surprise to see FPL’s most popular player among the poll’s frontrunners after delivering attacking returns in 13 of his 15 Gameweek starts. Sunderland, meanwhile, have conceded 14 goals at the Stadium of Light, with just one clean sheet from seven matches.

West Ham offer a trio of differential armband options this week due to a home fixture with a Burnley outfit that has shipped 15 goals across their six away trips.

That could garner votes for the 9.4% owned Dimitri Payet (9.1), who has delivered attacking returns in each of his last three Gameweek outings.

Michail Antonio (6.7), is another that may attract attention, as could striker Andy Carroll (6.1).

After impressing off the bench in his last two outings, the 1.6% owned Geordie looks to have done enough to have earn his second start of the season against the Clarets.

No side has scored more than Liverpool’s 37 goals this season, but a visit to a Middlesbrough side, which has conceded just seven goals in as many home fixtures, may force a rethink for those tempted by Reds assets.

Nevertheless, the attacking potency of 20.2% owned Sadio Mane (9.3), who has four assists and a goal over the last three Gameweeks, demands our attention. As does Divock Origi (6.7), who has scored four in four in all competitions.

Swansea City’s visit to West Brom offers further alternative armband options, with backers of Baggies duo Salomon Rondon (6.5) and Matt Phillips (5.4) confident of returns, given the defensive frailties of Bob Bradley’s side on the road.

Away from the Liberty Stadium, the Swans have allowed 15 goals and earned a solitary clean sheet.

We will be back to check in on progress in the poll later this week when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. Konstaapeli
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    FFS 😀

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      That'll teach you not to win the group 😉

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Well, PSG got Barca so there was really no winner 🙂

  2. dhamphiir
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid

    1. dhamphiir
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Paris v Barcelona

    2. dhamphiir
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sevilla vs. Leicester City

  3. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    PSG - Barca 😮

    1. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Lucky Arsenal!

      1. French Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        talk to soon didn t u ?

        1. Arteta
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          I meant "lucky" ... and Barca is stronger than Bayern, don't you think?

  4. Davidinho
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Good draw for Leicester getting Sevilla

    1. drughi
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      They don't stand a chance

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Sevilla has been poor in the UCL. Got stomped by City.

    2. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sevilla are very very good

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I think they are overhyped in CL context

  5. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Sevilla va Leicester will be a good two legs that

  6. KingOllie
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Uefa is corrupt!!!
    Wengergate.

    I hate bayern 🙁

  7. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Wenger right now: http://i.imgur.com/OMKqLNt.jpg

  8. Mavric Marco
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    RP (got lost in all the Lols @ Arsenal). 😆

    Will James Morrison keep his place AMC for West Brom? He's started the last 5 now - Chad out of favour?

  9. Davidinho
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I take back what I said about the draw taking ages, that was quick.

  10. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Would rather have Bayern than Barca tbf

    1. KingOllie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Second leg at home is good atleast.
      If we can hold them to a draw away we will win at home

  11. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    How much do you rely on fixtures to determine your transfers? Would you bring in a player who is showing not much form just because he has great fixtures?

    I know Eriksen has scored 3 goals lately but before that he was poor and you wouldn't say he is in red hot form at the moment, just feels wrong bringing him in. Almost a gamble to me.

    Whereas Zaha is on fire but with tough games coming up.

    I would be much more comfortable bringing in Zaha than Eriksen.

    Maybe I need to change my gameplan. Gamble a little?

    Anybody else put too much emphasis on past performances rather than potential future performances because in reality bringing in Eriksen for those two home games should be a no brainer,

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I think you said it yourself in the last sentences. Spurs stomped Swansea, Hull and Burnley is equally poor, if not poorer.

      Question is Eriksen vs Alli

      1. Whazza
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        This, stats favor Eriksen, but I have a feeling Alli will shine

    2. Lav
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ive had Zaha for a couple weeks now and hes been huge for me. Dropping him for AFCON however I have not seen reports confirming hes going to commit to Ivory Coast. I continue to see reports of him possibly getting called up to England.

  12. ILOVEBAPS
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Decent punt?

    Defoe + Hazard > Kane(c) + Antonio??

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      keep hazard!!!

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        His away form is meh... at best. Hasn't been that great for 10+m

    2. DanwiseTheBrave
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Taking Hazard out will surely bite you. Any other way to raise funds?

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Firmino to 4.6m 4th mid. Unless I take another hit... Like Capoue > DeRoon so I could get Can maybe?

        1. DanwiseTheBrave
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Tricksy one, downgrading Firmino could work if you could play 4 strong defenders perhaps?

  13. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    As Juve fan I'm rather happy 😀

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Same 🙂

    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Actually the best we could have got

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Something new something interesting ! I don't remember playing vs Porto in CL recently

    4. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I bet CL is what excites Juve fan the most. Juve is clearly totally superior in Serie A, can't be that exciting following them in that context?

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Every year everyone talks only about CL aims and games, Serie A is just too obvious. You don't pay for Higuain to win Serie A 😉

  14. Tutankhamun
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hello

  15. Lav
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Captain?

    A. Sanchez
    B. Hazard
    C. Kane
    D. Costa

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      c/d

      1. Needo22
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Lads, it's Hull.

  16. dhamphiir
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    UCL draw
    Man City v Monaco
    Real Madrid v Napoli
    Benfica v BVB
    Bayern v Arsenal
    Porto v Juventus
    Leverkusen v Atletico
    PSG v Barca
    Leicester v Sevilla

    1. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      disgusting

      1. dhamphiir
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Now you can focus on Premier League

        1. AndyCook
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Don't write Arsenal off, they are a different beast this year.

    2. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Arsenal and PSG got Bayern and Barcelona, incredible how Arsenal's group was again set to play these 2.

      1. French Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        a chelsea player picking the draw is the epitome of this f*cakin rigged draw

      2. AndyCook
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Doesn't work like that, every draw affects every other draw.

      3. French Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Simply f*xckin disgusting - every year

        1. Konstaapeli
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Oh come on. We got Monaco in 2014. That went well 😀

          1. Konstaapeli
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            *2015

      4. Sylas
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        UCL Draw

        City v Monaco
        Real v Napoli
        Benfica v BVB
        Bayern v Arsenal
        Porto v Juventus
        Leverkusen v Atletico
        PSG v Barca
        Leicester v Sevilla

        1. French Gooner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          every year for fuch sakes

          1. Sylas
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I know! 😡

          2. Wardinator
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            If you want to win it you'll have to beat the best teams eventually so may as well take them on now.

        2. Konstaapeli
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Let's just roll them over and enjoy it 😉

          1. Sylas
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Wouldn't that be lovely! :mrgreen:

      5. Karan_G14
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Is Mustafi to any defender (6.1) worth (-4) this week?
        Have Alonso.

        He doesn't drop till tonight. So after the deadline tomorrow I can do an early transfer of Mustafi to Valencia for GW17.

        Appreciate your thoughts!

        1. Mavric Marco
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Vert?

        2. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          dropped last night.
          spurs has to look good value with Burnley & Hull at home this week

      6. faux_C
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Allen (SOU) or Fletcher (SWA) this week?

      7. TheTinman
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Just how nailed is Origi?

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          80% short term I'd say.

          1. TheTinman
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            How short is short term?

            1. Sess!
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Until early Jan I'd say. No sign of sturridge being fit and cout not back until then. He could still be benched and firm play up top but whilst he's scoring, surely he cements his starting spot.

              1. AndyCook
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Not convinced on this as he reduces Firmino's output and they are not winning these games.

          2. Worzel Gummidge
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I would say moderately but he is utterly gash. I avoided him. Llorente for the win 🙂

          3. keveeen
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Should I do just
            Mkhitaryan --> eriksen
            Or mkhi and ozil----> eriksen and mane/payet
            Sorry arsenal fans☺

          4. davies
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I'll take that draw!

            Good chance of progressing for LCFC?

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah decent at least. 50/50

              1. Whazza
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I think Sevilla are small favorites

            2. AndyCook
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Not likely but then who in the last 16 would you fancy them against - I'd say no-one.

            3. Bushiosboys
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I'm really sorry if this is a stupid & obvious question but are double gameweeks nomore in FPL?

              Are midweek matches now classed as a new gameweek so no DGW?

              1. Mavric Marco
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Nope, double gameweeks are for postponements or rescheduled cup games that clash in the league.

                Midweek fixtures are just a bonus week 🙂

              2. dhamphiir
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                No, there are different gameweek. Last weekend gameweek was 15 and tomorrow gameweek is 16.

                DGW occur when cup (EFL and FA) match play on weekend and those match will be postponed. They will be schedule on weekday.
                Those team that had postponed will have two match in one gameweek, where as other will have one match

              3. Sylas
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                They normally happen between GW 33 and 37, as far as I remember.

            4. jia you
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              GW transfers confirmed:
              Cedric + Firmino to Payet(C) + Toby A.
              I think the double BUR and HULL fixtures make this -4 hit acceptable?

              Slipped from 18k to 94k in 2 GW's, is Payet(C) a bit punty (don't have Kane, but have Costa)?

              1. Hakchak
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                You need Kane - if no Kane, captain Sanchez. Payet is good but too reliant on FK and Burnley are pretty good defensively against FK

                1. jia you
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  No Kane or Sanchez mate!

            5. karvs155
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Luiz (6.1), Azpi (6.2) or Alonso (6.3)?

              1. Sess!
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Alonso, azpi then luiz in that order.

              2. Az
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Luiz if you fancy a risk (4 YC but free kicks!)

                Azpil if you want to be safe (loves bps!)

                Alonso if you watch any live matches (so attacking!)

            6. French Gooner
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              These draws are sincerely beginning to looked rigged

              1. The Bandit
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Usually your own fault for finishing second tbf

              2. Konstaapeli
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Just bad luck mate.

            7. FootballManiac
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              guys eriksen or alli?

              1. Sess!
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Eriksen

            8. Dr Dream
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Tough draw for Bayern....of all the draws they could have made they drew Alexis Sanchez out the hat. Ouch.